Active tracking of a ballistic missile in the boost phase

Paul H. Merritt; Salvatore J. Cusumano; Mark A. Kramer; Shawn D. O'Keefe; Charles Higgs

doi:10.1117/12.241917

7 June 1996 Active tracking of a ballistic missile in the boost phase

Paul H. Merritt, Salvatore J. Cusumano, Mark A. Kramer, Shawn D. O'Keefe, Charles Higgs

Proceedings Volume 2739, Acquisition, Tracking, and Pointing X; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.241917
Event: Aerospace/Defense Sensing and Controls, 1996, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Active tracking of a ballistic missile during the boost phase is a very challenging problem. The airborne laser (ABL) is one of several directed energy weapon programs that is interested in active track since the ABL design may use this technique. The Phillips Laboratory in response to this technical challenge has embarked on a project to verify the feasibility of active tracking over a long horizontal path through the atmosphere. The project is composed of two independent phases. The first phase is investigating tracking through a turbulent atmosphere using a scaled range with a static target at Lincoln Laboratory. The second phase of the project will demonstrate active tracking of boosting theater ballistic missiles using the SeaLite Beam Director at the High Energy Laser System Test Facility at White Sands Missile Range. This paper will present some of the tracking data and review the progress of the tests at both sites.

Citation Download Citation

Paul H. Merritt, Salvatore J. Cusumano, Mark A. Kramer, Shawn D. O'Keefe, and Charles Higgs "Active tracking of a ballistic missile in the boost phase", Proc. SPIE 2739, Acquisition, Tracking, and Pointing X, (7 June 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.241917

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